Rain Day: 5 Ways to Keep Them Entertained

Published Jan 30, 2017

Last weekend was pretty wet for those of us on the island. After an intensely hot summer, I think we all welcomed the rain. My kids certainly did, as none of them wanted to stay inside. Thus, I was forced to come up with what my wife described as "KID FRIENDLY rain activities." This meant that full contact Rugby would be out.

1. Puddle Jumping Contest

Get filthy... like "mom is gonna be so mad at us" filthy. Your kids, if they are like mine, get dirty anyways. Now is your chance to sink to their level and get in the muck. When I worked in the bush, I would try and get dirty at the start of my day, just to get it over with. I try and teach the kids the same thing in the rain. " There is no point trying to avoid it kids.. you're gonna get wet, so just jump on in" !

2. Fun with the Camera

Photography is a hobby of mine, and something that I delight in showing my children. We took our waterproof cameras and captured the beauty of the storm. I try and assign tasks, like it is a covert mission that we are on. Each kid gets a specific, person, event, or animal they need to photograph with out being seen. Think of it as, Channeling their inner National Geographic, with the storm giving the illusion of being in the wild.

3. Take out the Slip 'N Slide

Slip N' Slide. That's right... I said it. These are not just for hot summer days. I prefer to let my inner man-child loose and go for a slide in the pouring rain. It is fun and, the best part by far, is that everyone looks at you like you're crazy. My kids are a bit crazy, so I know that we're doing something right.

4. Worm Rescue Mission

When it rains, we like to walk around the garden "rescuing" worms from puddles. They stay occupied and get to feel heroic, and it helps them understand the concept of empathy. Sometimes we do it in the morning after a good rain, to save them before the sun gets them. Either way, I feel it is a good activity for the little ones.

5. Make Rain Boats

There is nothing quite as good as an old fashioned boat race. I prefer to make mine with a glue gun and Popsicle sticks. A full-fledged boat may be difficult for the little ones, so I usually get them to make pirate rafts, as they are a bit easier. Get a starting line on your streets storm drain, or even the local creek, and let loose! We usually go best 3 out of 7, just like the Stanley Cup. PS- Make sure somebody is at the finish line to grab the boats!

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Written by Carter Munro

I'm a dad to three lively rugrats, aged 2-7. Daddy time is fun time for me and them. It is a time for Havoc and reverting back to my inner man-child (much to my wife's chagrin). My wife thought that I was especially gifted at being a child myself, and thought I should teach others the ways of the Force (Star Wars Reference).